Pride and Prejudice free essay sample

Successful Marriage l: Biography Looked upon as being one of the most influential and popular writers during the romantic period, Jane Austen published many romance novels, such as her most famous, Pride and Prejudice. Austen focused her writings on the importance of romantic love as a true happiness to marriage (Olsen 426). Having not experienced marriage, Jane often based her stories off of her familys romance. Jane was born into a middle class family with very little income; Jane used her lack of money to inspire new novels. She mainly focused her novels over social standings and how love is haracterized as true happiness. Her focus on love began when her siblings married for money rather than love. Austen strived to fix the many family issues by creating fairy tale stories ending happily with the heroines marrying the men they loved (Ruth 50). Jane Austen wrote her novels around the controversy of whether love should be based upon increasing ones social status or falling in love (Bernard 34). We will write a custom essay sample on Pride and Prejudice or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Jane creates romance novels to replace the love thats missing in her life. From growing up in a poor family Jane rarely received the opportunity to find love and arry a suitable husband, giving her thoughts and dreams of what her life would be like if she found marriage through love. Austens novels portray that marriage shouldnt be based upon personal wishes such as money or class, but for one to be happy one should find love. In the novel, Pride and Prejudice, the author shows that despite social pressure, for a marriage to be successful it must be based upon love. II: Pride and Prejudice The novel Pride and Prejudice is surrounded with young couples and the issue of marriage through social class and public opinion. Many critics follow Jane Austens heme that love builds to create a happy successful marriage. The critic Bilal Hasan follows Austens theme and supports the theory that one shouldnt marry for money if they plan on being happy. Also, he believes that through their relationship Jane Austen shows that a hasty marriage based on superficial qualities looks and leads to unhappiness (Hasan). Both supporting Janes theme over happy marriage, the critic Rachel Davies uses the qualities of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeths love to show a successful marriage. Darcy and Elizabeths love is genuine, existing despite social arriers (Davies). Davies relates Mr. Darcy and Elizabeths marriage to the marriage of Charlotte and Mr. Collins, comparing that due to the burden Charlotte held on her family, she created a limit to finding love. Charlotte became a burden to her family when she became the age not very few men adored to marry; she hadnt found love and caused her to marry for money (Olsen 425). Austen chooses to influence all the characters to show their struggles between them, providing that they all come to the reality that without money, it is probable marriage will not happen (Disney). Many focus on the differences in financial status when finding marriage. A woman who is a burden would more like to marry a man of wealthy class without caring whether she was in love. The character Elizabeth Bennet money. Jane Austen writes that for a man to best show his love for a woman, he would ask for her hand in the next dance at the ball. Money divides real love and incites false love initially in Pride and Prejudice. Love is shown to demolish the seeming impossibility of Darcy and Elizabeths marriage (Davies). She does believe that there is a relation between love and money in marriage. Money to some she believes, can buy happiness, but love overpowers money and creates a strong everlasting bond in a marriage, while money can be lost. An example would be when Darcy pays Wickham t o marry Lydia, thus giving Elizabeth feelings towards Darcy for caring for her family (Davies). Austen herself faced the issues of money on marriage, creating a similar character named Charlotte. Despite that Austen never was forced to choose to marry for money instead of love; Jane created Charlotte in comparison how they both became a burden to their families. Charlotte later in Pride and Prejudice marries Mr. Collins, only to simply please her parents and secure herself financially, creating an unhappy marriage and making them the darkest note in the novel (Paris 34). By choosing to marry Mr. Collins, Charlotte increased her social status by removing herself from a burden to her family any longer. People cannot always fall in love where they choose, but their choice of a marriage partner should not be governed primarily by concerns for money or status (Paris 34). Both critics Davies and Hasan support Janes theme, that love is the key to a successful happy marriage. Hasty marriages acting on impulse and based on superficial qualities will not survive and will lead to unhappin ess (Hasan). Davies continues to discuss the importance of marriage based upon love, yet also follows that money contributes to creating a happy marriage. There are very few critics who can argue that Austen doesnt show that love creates a bond for successful marriage. Yet at the same time, arguing with her opinion, Jane states that money is also important in finding marriage. Neither Elizabeth nor Colonel Fitzwilliam would marry for money, but they must hope to fall n love with someone who has money (Paris 34). Many women during the eighteenth century didnt receive any of their familys money or dowries after the death of their father. Having no money caused many to search for a suitable wealthy husband, with the small hope of finding love in the process. The critic Katie Disney argues that Austen does not suggest the theme that love is the most important, but shows her obvious unhappiness with the way marriages work (Disney). The conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet shows their desire to quickly marry their five daughters to rich well-known men. With higher class came the responsibility to find a wife similar to their class and share the wealth among their families. It is truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife (Austen 1). Jane makes clear that wealthy men of a higher class sought to find a bride similar to them. Yet, Jane contradicts her belief by making Mr. Darcy fall in love with Elizabeth Bennet, a lower middle class woman: He is so much in love, however, that he decides to make a social sacrifice for the sake of personal satisfaction (Paris 35). To most, money is seen as a necessary possession, but also is used to secure ones financial future: Money in Pride and Prejudice is used to buy ones way, or marry ones way, to a higher social rank (Copeland 74). There is no ruling that marriage should be solely founded either on love or money. Women are seen as the main audience of Pride and Prejudice, and as we grow up, we become planted with the notion of ending happily ever after. Love is always a major theme in every fairy tale; either a prince rescues the princess and they fall madly in love or the girl finds her true love and is destined to live a happy life. The novel Pride and Prejudice is seen by many as one of the most famous fairy tales. Jane Austen creates the novel based upon her dreams of what her life could be. A fairy tale doesnt always consist of witches and dragons, yet Austen creates characters who share similar characteristics. The character Lady Catherine shares the qualities of an evil witch who wishes happiness for none but herself. Austen creates Lady Catherine as a wealthy woman of high society who looks down to everyone, believing that marriage should remain within the family and love is unimportant. Pride and Prejudice can be related to a fairy tale not only for its characters but for its happy ending. The novel can be compared to one of the most known fairy tales, Cinderella. Mr. Darcy is the wealthy sophisticated prince who falls in love with the maiden, Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth fantasizes of one day finding the man of her dreams. Another comparison to Cinderella would be that Elizabeth as well as Cinderella is first introduced to her future husband at a ball. Also, both female characters at first play hard to get. In the beginning Elizabeth is disgusted by Mr. Darcy and his arrogance towards those of lower class. Social status was important in the eighteenth century; many women were born into lower class but were not accepted into society unless they married a wealthy man. Yet, in the end Elizabeth falls madly in love with Darcy and of course they live happily ever after Just like in a fairy tale. Even in animated movies today such as Shrek, the fairy tale romance of living happily ever after exists. The main character Shrek, in this movie is in much relation to Elizabeth due to their social standings. Both have little to offer for those of higher class such as Darcy or Fiona. Despite the fact that she is also an ogre, Fiona is the daughter of the King and Queen. Even though their social standards are very different they are able to overcome this because of their strong love they have for each other. In the end of the movie, Shrek leaves the audience with the allusion of this couple living happily ever after. Not everyone searches for love and many dont believe they will every fall in love. Often we wonder if love can truly be the answer to ones happiness. In many ways love is unknown, but we must open our heart to possible opportunities. Yes fairy tales can be thought of as make believe, but they also provide a base for a life e can all hope and dream about. Like Pride and Prejudice all of Jane Austens novels follow the theme of love conquering all. Austen created her novels based upon the dreams and life she never had. Much like her characters, Austen dreamed of falling madly in love and living happily ever after. All of Austens books leave female readers with the hope of finding their true soul mate. Reading a Jane Austen novel is a way to escape everyday pressures and explore a world of love and passion. Many couples today must overcome the obstacles of social pressure and money; however successful marriages are based upon love. Pride and Prejudice free essay sample A woman cannot be herself In the society of the present day. Which Is an exclusively masculine society, That judges feminine conduct from a masculine point of view. Henries Ibsen, From Ibsen Workshop In your novel, Is this quote an accurate assessment of the female protagonists life? From Susan B. Anthony to Eleanor Roosevelt, Sandra Day OConnor to Clara Barton, our world has progressed into a more equal and just place for women since the dark days of the asses. Each decade has experienced a new breakthrough, whether It was watching Amelia Earth fly across the Atlantic or Queen Elizabeth I take over the English monarchy. With each new record we break or prize we win, the women of the twenty first century are shattering the idea of the masculine society, and modernizing our customs to fit the Ideals of the present day. Jane Austin, an activist herself, lived deep within the rules of a masculine society. We will write a custom essay sample on Pride and Prejudice or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page With the gender rules clearly defined, women lived with less rights they could count on one hand, causing the viscous cycle of the reliance on men for money, social acceptance, and family relations to persist for many generations. Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813 and set in this time, expresses the hardships of a masculine society for women like Elizabeth Bennett, who were not blind to the wrongdoings of society. While many women of the day chose to conform to social norms, Elizabeth lived her life independently in an effort to achieve true happiness. Although ultimately did marry, a custom of the asses, she did so on her own terms, only after potentially jeopardizing a life of security along the way. In the patriarchal society present In Pride and Prejudice, a system of entailment backed each marital contract, which stated inherited property must only go to male heirs. This legal system perpetuated the masculine society, as women were pressured to search for a husband to attain financial security. Charlotte Lucas, Elizabethan best acquaintance, is a classic example of a woman conforming to these societal standards. In the middle of the novel, after Elizabeth turns Mr.. Collins proposal down, Charlotte accepts the invitation of marriage, and the narrator remarks, Without thinking highly of either men or matrimony, marriage had always been [Charlotte] object; It was the only honorable provision for well-educated woman of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest restorative from want (93). In other words, Charlotte did not fancy Mr.. Collins, but because marrying him was the only socially accepted route for middle-class woman to make, she was going to make It work and put her happiness aside. Many of the elder women in the story strongly support this way of life, and the most approving among them is Mrs.. Bennett. Mrs.. Bennett, the mother of five girls, was obsessed with the prospect of her children marrying wealthy, prominent young men, because the system of entailment provided no other acceptable fate. The first chapter ends with the quote, The business of [Mrs.. Bonnets] life was to get her daughters married; Its solace was visiting and news (3). Mrs.. Bennett represents the quintessential mother 1 OFF young women. In turn, the children were expected to grow up and marry, guaranteeing a life of financial security for themselves and their family. Elizabeth did not follow this same path, but instead paved a new one to fit her own terms. The reader senses this individualistic quality in the beginning of the novel, when Mr.. Collins proposes to Elizabeth and she surely turns him down. l am perfectly serious in my refusal, she says,”You could not make me happy, and I am convinced I am he last human in the world to make you so Wish you very happy and very rich, and by refusing your hand, do all in my power to prevent your being otherwise (82). Elizabeth did not turn down Mr.. Collins because she was not in need of the financial advantages, she denied him because she knew they were not capable of making each other happy. Happiness, not financial security, was Elizabethan drive throughout the novel, and her endless attempts to achieve true happiness resulted in her continued independence and indivi duality to live in a masculine society on her own terms. Just as Elizabeth dodged Mr.. Collins marriage proposal because she did not love him, she also denied Mr.. Dairy the first time, in spite of the advantageous social connections he would have brought to herself and her family if they married. From the moment she met Dairy she was unlike other girls, as she deprived him of the satisfaction of her praise, denying to flatter or fawn over him. Dairy was taken aback by this strange rejection, and at the end of the novel Elizabeth explains why that is: Mimi [Dairy] were disgusted with women who were always speaking and looking and thinking of your approbation alone. I roused and interested you, because I was so unlike hem (285). Elizabeth did not play into social games or amusements such as acting obsequious towards a prominent, wealthy, and handsome member of society. Instead, she acted cordial to those who interested her, and cold to those she did not like. In a masculine society, it is rare for a woman to ignore the status of an individual and Justly treat them as they should be treated, however, Elizabeth does Just that and disregards these titles and reacts only to how she is regarded. A prime example of this behavior was seen as Elizabeth repudiates Mr.. Dairys initial proposal because she claimed, From the very beginning, from the first moment Our manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feeling of others, were such as to form that groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike (145). As women, given his fortune and looks, have only ever treated Mr.. Dairy with the most respect, this marks the first time a woman was honest and frank with him. Elizabeth acted with the courtesy she believed Mr.. Dairy deserved, and did not spare him anything in her refusal. This shows that Elizabeth was not concerned about the eternal gain and social acknowledgment she would gain from Mr.. Dairy, should they have married, and once again she was responding in terms of her happiness in this stringent masculine society. Her disregard for social status extended beyond Mr.. Dairy and his professed love, Elizabeth also voiced her opinion when interacting with the distinguished women in society. Lady Catherine De Bough, the aunt of Mr.. Dairy, was a very highly regarded woman in Pride and Prejudice and was accustomed to being respected behind her eminent fade. After plans of Mr.. Dairys second proposal were unveiled, Lady Elizabeth about her own intentions regarding her nephew. When asked to reject Mr.. Dairys invitation of marriage once again, after Elizabethan true feelings had surfaced for Dairy, she told Lady Catherine, l am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected to me (260). This quote, arguably the most important in the novel, demonstrates Elizabethan genuine goal in life”to get married for love, whether or not she had to take risks to get there. Many may argue that Elizabeth Bennett simply went along with the masculine societal ways, choosing not to rebel and in the end gaining all of the benefits. I argue, however, that Elizabeth adjusted the society to her own terms time and time again throughout the novel, and along the way risked not gaining anything in the end. Yes, she did marry a wealthy, renowned, handsome man, but she defied society by not initially accepting his, or others, invitations of marriage because she was not truly happy. Elizabeth did acquire a life for others to seek after, but throughout the journey she developed many unconventional habits as she adapted her ways to be herself in a masculine society, always on her own terms. Pride and Prejudice free essay sample Collins and many of the other characters mentioned within the novel. Social class also determines who one may marry, and this plays an extremely significant role within the lives of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Jane Bennet is a crucial character within Pride and Prejudice. She portrays the role of Elizabeth Bennet’s one and only older sister. Jane is considered to be â€Å"†¦ the only handsome girl in the room,† by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and this occurs at the ball which is held in Netherfield. At this ball, she dances with a man by the name of Mr. Bingley, a man of large fortune who is described as being â€Å"†¦good looking and gentlemanlike; †¦pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners† (Austen 6). As a result of the ball, Mr. Bingley and Jane spend more time together, and it is assumed that they are together, as a couple. Mr. Bingley has two sisters who act all sisterly-like towards Jane, and then crush her heart by saying that Bingley will not return to Netherfield, and will most likely find Mr. We will write a custom essay sample on Pride and Prejudice or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Darcy’s sister more handsome and agreeable than Jane. This is done by the Bingley sisters most likely because of Jane’s lower social status, and they would not want their brother marrying a sort of peasant girl, or a girl who is of a much lower status than himself. Due to social class in society at this time, Jane ends up getting her heart crushed, which is sad and tragic for a woman during this time period, especially when the woman has feelings for such a suitor. Should a woman show her feelings for a suitor, and then that suitor goes off and marries another, the reputation of the first woman and her family is, in a sense, ruined. Elizabeth Bennet is the main female character whom the story revolves around. She is treated in a very similar manner as Jane; however, Jane is treated with more compassion and seems to be loved more by everyone, whereas Elizabeth is the least liked of the five daughters in the Bennet family, and people tend to pass her up. Due to her social stature, as well as her reputation as being the least liked and less handsome, Elizabeth is treated the way she is. She is, in a way, treated as an inferior to Jane due to all of the factors mentioned previously. Elizabeth is also put down in many ways. Considering that she is less handsome than her sister, she is, in a way, a target of insult for Darcy, as he says that she is not good enough or pretty enough to grab his attention (7). In all, Elizabeth leads a rather ‘difficult’ life, not being recognized by her peers or by suitors who should really be so lucky to have her. Pride within Pride and Prejudice is seen as a common theme throughout the whole novel. Pride is what causes people to behave the way they do, acting arrogant and egotistical. Pride contributes to how people view society, believing that one is better than the rest of society and being conceited. Pride is what causes feuds most of the time, turning one against another with the argument that one is better than the other in many aspects. Prejudice, contrary to pride, is not seen quite as often. However, prejudice, although not as common, follows similar principles as pride. Prejudice causes people to behave the way they do, believing that a certain social class, ethnicity, or gender is inferior to one’s own. Prejudice also contributes to how people view society, again, believing that a certain characteristic contributes to where people stand on the social ladder. Prejudice, just like pride, can cause feuds by causing one party to believe that the other party is inferior to them, and is usually based on the factors of social class, ethnicity, or gender. Austen most likely made the decision of having pride appear frequently, whereas prejudice is practically nowhere to be found, in order to make note of the difference between the two terms. Pride is seen used more often by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, whereas prejudice is seen commonly used by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth Bennet, throughout the novel, shows signs of prejudice against Mr. Darcy in particular. When they appear at the ball in Netherfield, Austen states, â€Å"His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and every body hoped that he would never come there again† (6). It is then later stated that â€Å"†¦Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards him† (7). Elizabeth, in a way, holds a grudge against Darcy, always thinking negatively of him and putting him down in her eyes. This action of making it seem that he is, in a sense, inferior to her, represents her prejudice against him. Mr. Darcy shows pride in practically everything he does. He is a conceited, arrogant man, who believes that nothing is good enough for him. He exhibits this belief when he is at the Netherfield ball, and his friend, Mr. Bingley, points out that Darcy should dance with Elizabeth. Darcy replies, â€Å"She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (7). Darcy’s reputation for being full of pride is known all throughout the town, and it is said by one of Darcy’s old friends that â€Å"†¦almost all his actions may be traced to pride;-and pride has often been his best friend† (55). It is also assumed that, when his friend says that even Darcy’s sister is â€Å"-very, very proud,† that the whole Darcy lineage must be a very prideful family (56). During this time period in which Pride and Prejudice takes place, marriage was not decided on the basis of love. When one would get married, it was either for financial gain or social status. Mrs. Bennet, the mother in the novel, has only those two items on her mind when attempting to find suitors for her five daughters. She does not have even a sliver of empathy on how her decisions may potentially make her daughters’ lives miserable. Mr. Bennet, however, takes into account his daughters’ feelings when it comes to finding a suitor. Although he also has the thought of financial gain on his mind, his daughters always come first. He does, however, think of a plan. If Elizabeth were to marry Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet’s nephew, the Bennet estate would remain in the family. The reason for this is because, during this time period, women could not inherit land. Seeing as Mr. Bennet had no sons, he gave the estate to his nephew. Now, if Elizabeth had accepted Mr. Collins’s proposal, the estate would have remained within the family. This is the only instance in which Mr. Bennet wants Elizabeth to marry a certain suitor. Retaining their estate and financial security is just one motive that may cause people to marry certain others. Mr. Wickham and Miss Charlotte Lucas, for instance, are two characters who get married throughout the novel, and both have, in a way, a hidden agenda for getting married. Miss Charlotte Lucas is a very close friend of Elizabeth, being the person who Elizabeth can confide in about anything. Charlotte is slightly older than Elizabeth, about seven years, and Charlotte feels that she is becoming a burden to her family. Being twenty-seven and unmarried, she wanted to free her family from herself, no longer being a bother to them. This is one of the motives that causes her to go off and marry Mr. Collins, Elizabeth’s cousin. She also becomes betrothed to Collins for financial security. Seeing as Collins would inherit the Bennet estate, this gave her the sense that they would not have to worry about finances, or anything of the sort. Charlotte views marriage in a peculiar way. She believes that marriage changes a person drastically, and that one can get married without having feelings for their partner at first. She thinks that a person, primarily a woman, should find a spouse and then grow to like them as time goes on. So, in reality, Charlotte believes that one can just rush into a marriage, and, in a sense, hope for the best. She does not believe in marriage should really occur on the basis of love. Charlotte also believes that â€Å"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance† (14). Charlotte honestly believes that one does not have to be happy in marriage. She would rather marry off well and have a rich husband, yet be miserable while with him, than be in a marital relationship with someone who she truly cares about, even if that someone is not particularly well off. This is, in a way, Charlotte’s reasoning for marrying Mr. Collins. Seeing as how Mr. Collins has financial stability, this makes him, to her, a rich man who is very well off. She decides then to rush into marrying him, even though mutual feelings between them do not exist. So, not only does Charlotte get married to Mr. Collins to get out of her parents’ hair, but also because of his status and financial stability, and everything that would make him a good suitor. These are her hidden motives behind getting married in such a hurry, and although it seems like it is the perfect life, Charlotte has, in reality, just cost herself a chance to find someone better and more qualified to be her spouse. George Wickham plays multiple roles throughout the novel. For one, he plays the role of Elizabeth’s love interest towards the beginning of the novel. He shows feelings towards her in return, and one would assume that they may be a match. This, however, is altered by the fact that Elizabeth, in the end, marries Darcy. Wickham also plays the role of an old friend of Darcy’s. Darcy’s father was like a father to Wickham, and Wickham always points out that Darcy was never fond of him, which, in a way, is true. It is also false, because Darcy was a friend of Wickham’s, until Wickham revealed his true self. Wickham also became estranged from Darcy when he tried to run off and elope with Darcy’s sister, Georgiana. Wickham does a similar thing in his third role, which is as Lydia Bennet’s husband. Although Lydia says she is in love with Wickham, Wickham does not necessarily return those feelings. Wickham only wants to prey on the innocence of Lydia. With the knowledge that Lydia is still practically a child, and is susceptible to believing anything, Wickham knows that he can do as he pleases with her, and she will not see anything wrong with the picture. Wickham also decided elopement for another reason. At this time, if a woman and man eloped, the money that the woman had to her name could be used freely by her husband with no safeguards, and this could in turn lead to some difficulties later in time. Wickham only views marriage on the basis of mooching and getting money as part of the dowry from her family. His hidden agenda is to get married in order to get money from the bride’s side of the family. Wickham is, all in all, a selfish man who shows people what they want to see, and not his true self.